Brad's story reminds me of growing up in central PA in the 70's and my relationship with my grandfather. He wasn't a cowboy but he carried himself like the cowboys that I watched on Saturday afternoon TV.
26 Reviews
I always wanted to be a cowboy
tmknol23 September 2020
Calf Rope was a wonderfully touching and emotional short film that captures the heartwarming relationship between a grandfather and his grandson.
dawndavis-0142724 October 2021
Calf Rope was an outstanding short film directed by Bradley Hawkins. I was moved by the performances by Gorman Ruggiero as "Grandad" and Lukas Barnett as "Brandon". It was nice to see a family friendly film with such a nice theme. I thought that the storyline would make for a wonderful full-length feature film. Bravo to the entire cast and crew!
A solid family drama
bryant_martin096 May 2022
I love a good mix of heart, humor and drama and "Calf Rope" certainly delivers on all three! Gorman Ruggerio brings a real wit and worldly pain and exhaustion to his role leading an excellent ensemble cast. I don't want to give too much away, but the tie in from beginning to end is outstanding some will definitely shed a tear or two. We'll worth the watch!
Calf Rope is a beautifully made family film about the ties that bind us.
sreddig28 September 2020
Central to the plot is the relationship between a young boy (Brandon) and his Grandad Mac. The two bond over the course of a summer as the youngster grows more and more curious about Mac's rodeo past. How could this guy who is known for relentless tickling and occasional troublemaking (especially with Mom and Grandma) be a real-life cowboy?
Yes, Calf Rope is essentially a coming of age story; unabashedly heavy on nostalgia. The beauty of the short is how well it is executed by Bradley and Sarah Hawkins, the father/daughter co-founders of their own film production company, Dadley Productions. They have gathered some impressive talent. Lyndsey Hinkle's 1960s production design is impeccable. Director of Photography, Sofia Monzerratt, is equally adept at capturing action-packed rodeo sequences, as she is tender moments between generations. Ms. Monzerratt's camerawork, Bradley Hawkins' direction and Ryan Geesaman's editing of the calf roping and cattle auction scenes, in particular, are exceptional. The casting is spot on. The connection between Lukas Barnett as Brandon and Gorman Ruggiero as Mac is clear the very first time he sets those adoring eyes upon his Grandad. The screenplay (by Jake Stetler and Bradley Hawkins) is equally funny and poignant.
Ultimately it doesn't matter if you are a cowboy at heart, Calf Rope is a powerful tale about legacy, love, and what ties people together.
Ultimately it doesn't matter if you are a cowboy at heart, Calf Rope is a powerful tale about legacy, love, and what ties people together.
Heart Warming
johncarljr24 September 2020
This movie will trigger every emotion. You can definitely tell there was a lot of heart from start to finish on this movie. This is a must see family movie. So many memories!! My only complaint is that it wasn't longer.
Heartwarming and on point
aarondittokc27 October 2020
This film does such a great job encompassing the simple yet complex aspects of a grandson and his grandfather - all in "short" format - and elicits a range of emotions when watching. It's amazing how much, as a grandchild, one overlooks the shortcomings of a grandparent, and elevates him/her to 'hero' status - one that can do no wrong. This film showcases these nuances beautifully and reminds us that "little eyes are always watching." Calf Rope is a great family film and calls one to question "legacy." My "hat's off" to the cast, direction, and production! Well done!
A Legacy Story
nckhsswork27 September 2020
The cast and crew of this Dadley Production really put together something special with this short.
"Calf Rope" has one overarching spirit of legacy throughout the half-hour shirt film, that will leave you thinking of your own family and how you want your legacy to be remembered. It's clear that everyone working on this project knew this one objective and held tight to it. It has heart and soul that the cast portrays on screen exceptionally with little Lucas Barnett having an amazing debut!!!!
I can't say enough good things about this film - so just go, see it when at all possible, and feel the movie magic for yourself!
"Calf Rope" has one overarching spirit of legacy throughout the half-hour shirt film, that will leave you thinking of your own family and how you want your legacy to be remembered. It's clear that everyone working on this project knew this one objective and held tight to it. It has heart and soul that the cast portrays on screen exceptionally with little Lucas Barnett having an amazing debut!!!!
I can't say enough good things about this film - so just go, see it when at all possible, and feel the movie magic for yourself!
Grab the Tissues!
sheilakh-9058012 July 2021
I never expected to relate to this film, but when I discovered the similarities between the main character, Grandpa, and my own grandfather, the tears started flowing. One scene after another brought back subtle memories, which have been locked away in my past. Normally, when a movie brings me to reach for a tissue box, I quickly exit the room. But, this one really caught my attention. I don't have a lot of memories of my grandfather growing up, because he spent much of his time at a cattle farm, in Lancaster County. When I'd spend the night with my grandparents, he'd be asleep on the recliner, and Grandma and I would gingerly walk past his chair, trying not to kick over the can of spit-out tobacco (my grandmother hated that can). I don't believe he ever smoked, but he always had that smelly stuff in his mouth. My fonder memories are from a few visits to the cattle auctions. I remembered the taste of sweet, thick, chocolatey milk, from little cartons, which grandma would give me quarters to purchase. The auctions were packed, nearly elbow to elbow, so a cold, sweet beverage was welcomed in a hot, smelly steer barn. I also remembered the first time I heard an Auctioneer speak...or, yell...or, ramble on, and on, and ON. I was amazed, and for a moment, wandered what it would be like to grow-up to be an Auctioneer? My grandpa loved his cattle, horses, and farm life. He died in that building, on my 16th birthday...and my grandma, being the patient, loving person she was, even apologized to me for ruing my 'sweet 16' special day. All I wanted was my grandfather back...for her, most of all. He had slipped and fell on the cement, by the loading dock, I believe, causing a heart attack (or, the other way around). He died quickly, and I guess if he had chosen a place to be buried, it would've been that farm. Well, the tears are flowing again, but not in a bad way...in a way which allows me to pay tribute to a beloved man who was dedicated to this way of life...a life which made him both happy and proud. Thank you, Dadley Production, for bringing back those lost memories...ones I will hold dearly to my heart, and cherish forever. Bravo!!! I need to see more, please!
Delightfully charming and heartwarming.
zackerynicolosi5 May 2022
What a beautiful film. For 30 minutes, I was captivated and charmed by this little heartwarming story. The period-accurate sets, cinematography and visuals, along with the wonderful cast made falling into this story feel very natural.
The most unexpected aspect of Calf Rope was the near immediate connection I felt with the characters. The affection between Brandon and his grandfather, and Brandon's belief that his grandfather is the most wonderful, powerful person in the world reminded me of what it was like as a small boy to see my grandfather as an unstoppable hero, the most loving and compassionate person in the world.
Brandon has a vague understanding of the flaws of his grandfather, but his opinion is unchanged.
The supporting cast was terrific, especially as the story came to a close. The emotions conveyed drew me into the final moments. I did not expect to have tears in my own eyes in such a short span of time.
The story was told in such a way that I never felt it was too slow, nor rushed; In fact, I was unaware of the passage of time as I watched. The content is wholesome, imbued with powerful a powerful message and evocative imagery. I would certainly recommend for families to enjoy together.
Lastly, the score was wonderful. Sounds of joy, imagination, and excitement, providing the audience with same triumphant emotions Brandon experienced as he watched his grandfather be the amazing, magical man he was. The composer choose the best instrumentation for the film, taking us back in time with the story. The score provided the proper context for the scenes, becoming its own character at the appropriate moments, while being understated and subdued in the most crucial heartfelt moments of the story, providing the heartbeat of Calf Rope.
Lovely film.
The most unexpected aspect of Calf Rope was the near immediate connection I felt with the characters. The affection between Brandon and his grandfather, and Brandon's belief that his grandfather is the most wonderful, powerful person in the world reminded me of what it was like as a small boy to see my grandfather as an unstoppable hero, the most loving and compassionate person in the world.
Brandon has a vague understanding of the flaws of his grandfather, but his opinion is unchanged.
The supporting cast was terrific, especially as the story came to a close. The emotions conveyed drew me into the final moments. I did not expect to have tears in my own eyes in such a short span of time.
The story was told in such a way that I never felt it was too slow, nor rushed; In fact, I was unaware of the passage of time as I watched. The content is wholesome, imbued with powerful a powerful message and evocative imagery. I would certainly recommend for families to enjoy together.
Lastly, the score was wonderful. Sounds of joy, imagination, and excitement, providing the audience with same triumphant emotions Brandon experienced as he watched his grandfather be the amazing, magical man he was. The composer choose the best instrumentation for the film, taking us back in time with the story. The score provided the proper context for the scenes, becoming its own character at the appropriate moments, while being understated and subdued in the most crucial heartfelt moments of the story, providing the heartbeat of Calf Rope.
Lovely film.
Succinct, heartwarming, honest
benszuhaj27 December 2020
Calf Rope does an impressive jobs of telling a complete, compelling story in less than a half hour. From the first scene, I was drawn into the lives of the characters, transported to a different - and yet familiar - time. The acting is masterful, the costuming superb. I particularly enjoyed the performances of Lukas Barnett as Brandon and Avery Kellington as Corah. The only thing that I wish was different about this movie was that it was longer; I want to spend more time in this world.
Authentic and Powerful
SBTwo925 April 2023
Bradley Hawkins and his team did quite well on this project. As a filmmaker, one of the hardest things to do is pull off a period piece without compromising authenticity and Calf Rope does it masterfully.
The story itself is heartfelt and timeless. It centers around a young boy and his grandfather in the mid 1960's in Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. This wonderful cast is led by youngster Lukas Barnett who shines as Brandon, a young man obsessed with cowboys and his Grandfather. The Grandfather, Mac, is played brilliantly by Gorman Ruggiero. The entire cast understood and flawlessly executed the vernacular from that time.
While watching this film, the same word kept popping in my head throughout. Authentic. From the props, to the wardrobe... really the entire production design was spot on. Again, a tall task when attempting a period piece. Exemplary work by Lyndsey Hinkle.
It's quite difficult to find really any flaws with this film. Cheers to Bradley Hawkins and his team.
The story itself is heartfelt and timeless. It centers around a young boy and his grandfather in the mid 1960's in Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. This wonderful cast is led by youngster Lukas Barnett who shines as Brandon, a young man obsessed with cowboys and his Grandfather. The Grandfather, Mac, is played brilliantly by Gorman Ruggiero. The entire cast understood and flawlessly executed the vernacular from that time.
While watching this film, the same word kept popping in my head throughout. Authentic. From the props, to the wardrobe... really the entire production design was spot on. Again, a tall task when attempting a period piece. Exemplary work by Lyndsey Hinkle.
It's quite difficult to find really any flaws with this film. Cheers to Bradley Hawkins and his team.
A Feature in the Making
lukejohntopping1 October 2020
Calf Rope shows the director's need to share a nostalgic beauty sourced from his life. It shows a budding group of film makers searching for new heights, and would be improved by a feature length version that could suss out conflicts within and between the characters.
Beautiful Family Film
robinami-6153525 October 2021
Amazing film showing the love between grandfather and grandson and the special bond they share for the rodeo. The connection between these two actors is apparent from the start! Talented actors, brilliant cinematography, and accurate time period sets all contribute to the power of this short film. Great reminders of how life used to be. Thank you so much for a beautifully produced film.
A beautiful and powerful family movie
bbqbub1 October 2020
Heartfelt movie
ckhoke26 September 2020
Calf Rope is a wonderful, family friendly movie. The characters are genuine and you are able to empathize with them throughout the story, allowing you to feel many kinds of emotions. My youngest son usually does not sit through many movies without instead getting up to play, but sat through the entire viewing of Calf Rope as he was so intrigued!
Bittersweet family drama boosted by unforgettable performances
filmwritr5 June 2023
The legacy our parents hand down to us is as powerful as the lessons they teach us, and in writer/director Bradley Hawkins' emotional drama CALF ROPE, that truth is manifested in the poignant connection between an old rodeo star-turned cattle auctioneer, Mac (Gorman Ruggiero) and his beloved grandson Brandon (Lukas Barnett). Ruggiero and Barnett's performances are as incredible as the chemistry between them, which Hawkins' outstanding direction brings out as much as his superb screenplay for the film does. CALF ROPE's supporting cast is also excellent, as is its cinematography and music score.
Stunningly beautiful film that tugs at the heart.
hockeyjoe-754703 April 2022
From the opening scene I was drawn into the world of Brandon and his grandfather, Mac. This film is just beautiful. The lighting, the score, the overall feel actually put you there in the story. The characters are wonderfully built, even with limited dialogue. This film pulled on my emotions and also brought me back to a simpler time growing up. The acting is amazing! Bradley Hawkins has something special here as it made me come away wanting to be a part of something like this. In less than 30 minutes my wife and I were taken on an emotional ride that prompted deep discussions around all aspects of this film. The story is rich, the lighting is heavenly, the cinematography is stellar and fresh and this film moved me.
More than a Memory
mweik24 September 2020
Brad's story touches the heart and soul of all that watch Calf Rope. The story translates easily to those special relationships we had growing up in the 70's. That came from spending every Sunday after church at Grandma and Grandpa with our Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
So Easy to Identify
golfwoody-5595113 October 2020
I was a boy raised around cattle auctions. I am the grandfather of four of the finest grandkids to ever exist. Calf Rope reminds me of life and it lived. Loved the way it draws in the many details of life and allows you to relive how it played out in your own life. Think I'm going to go play with the grandkids.
A heartfelt production with great visuals
acadia-8490027 September 2020
Each image tells a story in this touching film. In each scene we learn a little more about the boy and his grandfather's relationship centered around their shared love for cowboy culture. Beautiful cinematography and inspiring acting all around.
Great film to watch with the entire family!
zachary-2155814 April 2022
Absolutely loved it. Super sweet. Great message! We need more short films like this! Love the acting from the little boy. Brings me back to the days when I was little and use to pretended I was a cowboy! Watching this short film was so fun.
Precious and Tender
dawolcott19 November 2023
In today's world, we need more reminders of how precious and tender the love of a grand father can be. Many male characters are portrayed as too harsh or too immature in most contemporary media. This short film takes the time to deflate those images in a loving and cherished way.
Calfrope shows the palpable admiration a boy has for his granddaddy. And it does not go unnoticed that the Granddaddy is far from being perfect.
The quality of this production is far beyond expectations. Time period appropriate costuming, vehicles, and background is on point. The actors are seen as believing in their individual characters.
Thank you for bringing the memories of my own granddaddy to the forefront of my mind.
Calfrope deserves the accolades it has received.
Calfrope shows the palpable admiration a boy has for his granddaddy. And it does not go unnoticed that the Granddaddy is far from being perfect.
The quality of this production is far beyond expectations. Time period appropriate costuming, vehicles, and background is on point. The actors are seen as believing in their individual characters.
Thank you for bringing the memories of my own granddaddy to the forefront of my mind.
Calfrope deserves the accolades it has received.
A tear jerker that is worth the emotional journey!
shellylynnactressmodel28 September 2020
Proud Grandma
marcydobil8 October 2020
The debut of Luke in his first movie makes my heart sing!! He and Gorman were a great match-up and the chemistry between them was incredible. The whole cast and director Brad are truly talented and emotional people who made this amazing story come to the screen. So thankful to Brad, Luke, Gorman...EVERYONE... for all the effort, time, energy and love they put into this endearing film!
A film for the Heart
jewelchristian28 March 2022
Calf Rope did not disappoint! This film is beautifully shot, has a lovely score and a heart warming relationship between the lead characters. However, what makes it so unique is the way it leaves the viewer when the final credits roll- With a full heart.
The director has a gift that goes beyond storytelling and crosses into heart connection. At the end of this film I was overwhelmed with gratitude for my own family and family history. It also served as a gentle reminder to slow down and intentionally enjoy the simple moments that I often hurry over. It is a perfect example of art not only imitating life, but improving life. Beautiful work!
The director has a gift that goes beyond storytelling and crosses into heart connection. At the end of this film I was overwhelmed with gratitude for my own family and family history. It also served as a gentle reminder to slow down and intentionally enjoy the simple moments that I often hurry over. It is a perfect example of art not only imitating life, but improving life. Beautiful work!
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